ACEA

European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA)

The ACEA European Oil Sequences for Service-fill Oils comprise 3 sets (classes) of sequences: one for Gasoline and Light Duty Diesel engines; one specifically for Gasoline and Light Duty Diesel engines with after treatment devices and one for Heavy Duty Diesel engines. Within each of these sets there are categories which reflect different performance requirements - four (A1/B1, A3/B3, A3/B4 & A5/B5) for gasoline and light duty diesel engines; four (C1, C2, C3, C4) specifically for engines with after treatment devices, and four (E4, E6, E7, E9) for heavy duty diesel engines. Typical applications for each sequence are described below for guidance only. Specific applications of each sequence are the responsibility of individual engine manufacturers for their own vehicles / engines.

The sequences define the minimum quality level of a product for self-certification to EELQMS and presentation to ACEA members. Performance parameters other than those covered by the tests shown or more stringent limits may be indicated by individual ACEA member companies.

Nomenclature & ACEA Process

Each set of sequences is designated for consumer use by a 2 part code comprising a letter to define the CLASS (e.g. C), and a number to define the CATEGORY (e.g. C1).

In addition, for industry use, each sequence has a two-digit number to identify the YEAR of implementation of that severity level (e.g. A1 / B1-04).

The CLASS indicates oil intended for a general type of engine - currently A / B = gasoline and light duty diesel engines; C = catalyst compatible oils for gasoline and diesel engines with after treatment devices. Other classes may be added in future if, for example, Natural Gas engines prove to require oil characteristics which cannot readily be incorporated into existing classes.

The CATEGORY indicates oils for different purposes or applications within that general class, related to some aspect or aspects of the performance level of the oil. Typical applications for each sequence are described below for guidance only. Specific applications of each sequence are the responsibility of the individual motor manufacturer for their own vehicles and engines. Oils within a category may also meet the requirements of another category, but some engines may only be satisfied by oils of one category within a class.

The YEAR numbers for ACEA Sequence is intended only for industry use and indicates the year of implementation of that severity level for the particular category. A new year number will indicate, for example, that a new test, parameter or limit has been incorporated in the category to meet new / upgraded performance requirements whilst remaining compatible with existing applications. An update must always satisfy the applications of the previous issue. If this is not the case, then a new category is required.

An administrative ISSUE Number is added for industry use where it is necessary to update the technical requirements of a sequence without the intention to increase severity (e.g. when a CEC test engine is updated to the latest version whilst maintaining equivalent severity; or where a severity shift in the test requires modification of the specified limits.).

A/B: Gasoline and Light-Duty Diesel Engine Oils

A1/B1Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use at extended drain intervals in gasoline engines and car & light van diesel engines specifically designed to be capable of using low friction low viscosity oils with a high temperature / high shear rate viscosity of 2.6 mPa*s for xW/20 and 2.9 to 3.5 mPa.s for all other viscosity grades. These oils are unsuitable for use in some engines. Consult owner manual or handbook if in doubt.

A3/B3Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use in high performance gasoline engines and car & light van diesel engines and/or for extended drain intervals where specified by the engine manufacturer, and/or for year-round use of low viscosity oils, and/or for severe operating conditions as defined by the engine manufacturer.

A3/B4Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use in high performance gasoline and direct injection diesel engines, but also suitable for applications described under A3/B3.

A5/B5Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use at extended drain intervals in high performance gasoline engines and car & light van diesel engines designed to be capable of using low friction low viscosity oils with a High temperature / High shear rate (HTHS) viscosity of 2.9 to 3.5 mPa.s. These oils are unsuitable for use in some engines. Consult owner manual or handbook if in doubt.

C: Catalyst Compatibility Oils

C1Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use as catalyst compatible oil in vehicles with DPF and TWC in high performance car and light van diesel and gasoline engines requiring low friction, low viscosity, low SAPS oils with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 2.9 mPa.s. These oils will increase the DPF and TWC life and maintain the vehicles fuel economy. Warning: these oils have the lowest SAPS limits and are unsuitable for use in some engines. Consult owner manual or handbook if in doubt.

C2Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use as catalyst compatible oil in vehicles with DPF and TWC in high performance car and light van diesel and gasoline engines designed to be capable of using low friction, low viscosity oils with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 2.9mPa.s. These oils will increase the DPF and TWC life and maintain the vehicles fuel economy. Warning: these oils are unsuitable for use in some engines. Consult owner manual or handbook if in doubt.

C3Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use as catalyst compatible oil in vehicles with DPF and TWC in high performance car and light van diesel and gasoline engines, with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 3.5mPa.s. These oils will increase the DPF and TWC life. Warning: these oils are unsuitable for use in some engines. Consult owner manual or handbook if in doubt.

C4Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use as catalyst compatible oil in vehicles with DPF and TWC in high performance car and light van diesel and gasoline engines requiring low SAPS oil with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 3.5mPa.s. These oils will increase the DPF and TWC life. Warning: these oils are unsuitable for use in some engines. Consult owner manual or handbook if in doubt.